Chapter 23: Don’t Rival An An

Chapter 23: Don't Rival An An

The maids were thrilled when they heard they were returning to the Cheng family. The Yasui Feast at the Cheng family was even grander than New Year's Eve. Not only the masters, but even the maids like them would receive rewards. Cheng Mingyu was known for his generosity, and now that the young lady was the youngest daughter of the main family line, there was even more to look forward to.

Cheng Yian gave a single order, and Ru Lan and the others buzzed around like tops. In under half an hour, they had packed all the travel clothes.

An old nanny also came along, watching the maids pack this and that, and laughed, "My good girls, apart from what the young lady usually uses, the rest can be left behind. Everything in the boudoir is already set up."

Ru Lan, halfway through packing, smiled and asked, "Is there a boudoir for our young lady?"

The nanny gave her a look, "What kind of question is that? From the moment the young lady was born, a courtyard was specially reserved for her, and no one else has lived there since. Once, a cousin took a liking to that courtyard and wanted to live there, but our family head wouldn't allow it. Now, in anticipation of the young lady's return, the courtyard has been thoroughly cleaned three times, and the family head personally inspected it to ensure everything was perfect."

Who was Cheng Mingyu? A man as busy as the emperor himself, yet he found time to arrange the young lady's residence, showing just how much he valued it. Ru Lan felt reassured, as the main branch was known for its strict rules, and she had never been there before, worried that her young lady might be slighted.

Hearing this, she felt even more at ease and happily continued packing.

They set off at the start of the Shen hour. Cheng Yian bid farewell to the elders, saying she was going to the Cheng family to attend the Yasui Feast. The women of the Lu family all gazed at her with envy. The Cheng family's Yasui Feast was renowned throughout the capital, a symbol of the family's glory. In the past, officials from the Ministry of Revenue had even gone to the Cheng family to learn about their wealth-building methods. Her sister-in-law was going to partake in the wealth.

After the formalities, she returned to the main hall and boarded the carriage alongside Cheng Yijun. She noticed that Lu Xusheng had also mounted his horse.

"Are you escorting me?" Cheng Yian asked with a good mood, looking at the handsome man.

"Dream on," Lu Xusheng said flatly, though his words were not pleasant. "I still have to head to the palace. I don't have the time to escort you."

With that, he turned his horse and left.

Cheng Yian was livid. Since when had this man been so petty?

Originally, she had planned to return home after taking care of her mother's affairs, but seeing him like this, she decided not to hurry back. She could stay at the villa for a while.

Now that her mother's memorial tablet was placed at the villa, Cheng Yian visited to pay her respects every few days. Everything there was fully equipped.

As the carriage started, Cheng Yian was about to lower the curtain when she saw Cheng Yijun sitting upright on his horse, trying to suppress a laugh.

"Seventh Brother, why are you laughing?"

Cheng Yijun was the seventh among his peers, known as Cheng Qilang.

Caught by his sister, Cheng Yijun saw her still fuming and evaded the question, "Nothing, it's just that your husband is so inconsiderate. You can stay at the Cheng family for a few more days, and I couldn't be happier."

They set off at the start of the Shen hour and arrived at the Cheng family half an hour later.

When Cheng Yian bent down to step out of the carriage, she was surprised to find that everyone from the main branch, except for the old lady, was standing neatly at the entrance steps to welcome her.

She was stunned.

At the forefront was naturally the elegant and scholarly Cheng Mingyu. Today, he was wearing a tea-white casual robe, his hair tied up with an ebony hairpin, looking even more approachable than the last two times.

Cheng Mingyu had been living a reclusive life these years, rarely making public appearances. Even when there were banquets at the residence, it was not him who hosted the guests. The last time he came out to welcome someone was three years ago, during the Matriarch's sixtieth birthday, when the emperor came to offer his congratulations.

And today was the first time his youngest daughter was formally returning home. He had left the office early and was waiting here specially.

Beside him were Cheng Yiyan and his wife, Cheng Yiqiao, the Second Master and his wife, the third master and his wife, and others.

What a grand reception.

Cheng Yian felt slightly uncomfortable and immediately got out of the carriage, standing at the steps to bow respectfully to the elders.

Cheng Mingyu hurriedly beckoned to her,

"The wind is strong outside, come in quickly."

The family gathered around and escorted her into the Ningjin Hall of the Old Dowager. Hearing the cheerful laughter from outside, the Old Dowager knew someone had arrived and quickly got off her couch, opening her arms wide, "Child, come to grandmother's arms..."

A maid handed over a cushion, and Cheng Yian knelt before the Old Dowager,

"Greetings to the... " She instinctively wanted to say 'Great Ancestor,' but changed her words at the last moment, "Greetings to Grandmother."

"Good, good, good..."

Then, she was led forward by a senior maid beside the Old Dowager, who embraced her tightly,

"My eyes have been troubling me these past few days, I can't see clearly. Let me feel my daughter, has she become thinner?"

The Old Dowager often suffered from eye problems, which would flare up after eating certain foods.

Cheng Mingyu sat down in the armchair next to the Old Dowager, while the others took their seats on the brocade stools below.

Seeing the Old Dowager speak like this, the Second Lady immediately stood up and came forward, supporting Cheng Yian's shoulders as she examined her,

"An'an is wearing a peach-red silk robe with embroidered butterflies and flowers, and a silver-red skirt with intricate embroidery. She looks so fresh and lively, not thin at all, but even a bit plumper."

This was to inform the Old Dowager that Cheng Yian was doing well in the Lu family.

However, the Old Dowager glared at her, "I won't be fooled by your lies. How many times have you seen An'an? You wouldn't even recognize her if it weren't for bringing her back this time."

Upon hearing this, the second madam immediately turned around and spread her hands in front of everyone, looking helpless.

"You see, if the old matriarch doesn’t scold me for a day, I feel uneasy."

The third madam, sitting opposite, smiled and replied, "Only Second Sister is clever and wins Mother’s favor. If it were us dull ones, we wouldn’t even deserve to be scolded by the old matriarch."

Amidst laughter, noticing that the old matriarch’s gaze remained fixed on Cheng Yi'an, they feared disturbing their conversation and each found an excuse to disperse.

Cheng Yiqiao also got up to leave,

"Grandmother, there’s a grand banquet tomorrow. I’ll go arrange the play scripts."

Everyone in the room withdrew one by one, leaving only the old matriarch, Cheng Yi'an, and Cheng Mingyu.

Cheng Mingyu sat upright, flipping through the accounts, allowing them to chat freely.

The old matriarch could sense that Cheng Yi'an was still somewhat uneasy, and holding her hand, she felt a surge of sorrow,

"Child, you look at your grandmother as if you don’t know me, but your father and I have watched you grow up. These years, watching you from afar has made my heart ache. When your mother was about to give birth, I rushed back from the capital to Hongnong to wait for your birth, fearing that your other grandmother would dislike you for being a girl. I personally took care of you and your mother for a month after your birth. When you came out of confinement, I saw your other grandmother secretly wiping away tears, and I decided to bring you and your mother back to the capital, planning to have your mother marry into the main branch..."

At this point, the old matriarch sobbed, "Your other grandmother knelt at my feet, refusing to agree, saying she would treat you like her own life... So I agreed..."

She didn’t really believe the words of the old lady from the fourth branch; rather, she hesitated.

Why did she hesitate?

It was because of the fear of the curse that wives would die early.

Two good wives had entered the family, and their marriages had been harmonious without any quarrels or complaints. The first wife had lasted a few years, but the second wife died three days after giving birth. She was afraid that if she brought Xia Fu over, the same fate would befall her, which left her in a dilemma.

Who would have thought that Xia Fu was gone, and died in such a tragic and final manner, so much so that later when someone proposed a match for Cheng Mingyu, the Matriarch flatly refused.

"Looking at you now, grandmother feels both joy and sorrow, joy that you have finally returned, sorrow that your mother suffered so much."

The grandmother and granddaughter wept together for a while, and Cheng Yian suddenly asked curiously, "Grandmother, have you seen my mother? What was her appearance like?"

This question struck a painful chord with the Matriarch.

Cheng Mingyu had four children, and none of them knew what their mother looked like.

She glanced at Cheng Mingyu, and sure enough, the man, previously composed, suddenly seemed lost in thought, his tall figure exuding a sense of desolation.

The Matriarch wiped her tears and smiled, "Grandmother's eyesight is poor, I don't recall much... I wonder if someone else still remembers."

Cheng Yian realized her slip of the tongue too late and glanced back at her father.

Cheng Mingyu ignored the old lady's words, calmly stood up, "Mother, stay with Cheng Yian for a while, I have some matters to attend to."

Cheng Yian stood up and watched him leave, and when his footsteps faded away, the Matriarch suddenly embraced her and whispered mysteriously,

"How could I not remember, your mother was a great beauty, outshining all the other daughters-in-law in the Cheng family, how could I not like her? If you want to know what she looked like, I'll tell you, you resemble her by seventy percent, even your temperament is similar, gentle and delicate, with eyes like autumn waters, a single glance could melt one's heart."

As for the other thirty percent of Cheng Yian, naturally, she resembled Cheng Mingyu.

Even if it was only thirty percent, she was the one among the three daughters who resembled Cheng Mingyu the most.

Inheriting the finest traits from both parents.

"Your brother and sister were raised under my care, only you, grandmother feels indebted to you, from now on I will favor you more, and they can't say anything."

Cheng Mingyu had been gone for less than half an hour when someone came to fetch Cheng Yian,

"The family head invites Cheng Yian over, saying he will take you to see the courtyard."

The Matriarch did not keep her, "Go, your father treasures that courtyard, carefully chosen for you, preserved until now, despite his generosity, this place remains off-limits to everyone."

Back then, when her granddaughter came to live at the Cheng residence, she took a liking to the place and moved her things in, but Cheng Mingyu, with a grim face, had them moved out, and even the servants were punished, so no one dared to covet the courtyard again.

Cheng Yian stepped out and followed the old matron eastward. The South Mansion of the Cheng family accommodated several branches of the clan, but the same large area was only occupied by the main branch, and within the main branch, the three sons under the Matriarch's care, the second and third lived in the west courtyard, while the entire east courtyard belonged to Cheng Mingyu's line.

The Matriarch lived in the central courtyard along the main axis of the Cheng residence, Cheng Mingyu, without a wife, always lived in the study in the front courtyard, the main courtyard of the east courtyard now housed Cheng Yiyan and his wife, and there were more than a dozen other courtyards, the largest of which was given to the eldest daughter Cheng Yixin, Cheng Yiqiao chose the Hechun Garden closest to the Matriarch, at that time Cheng Yian was still in the South Mansion, privately Cheng Mingyu had chosen the most picturesque Yining Garden for her, even the name Yining was taken from her name.

Cheng Yian walked through a long, secluded corridor, passed a flower room, and arrived at a clear stream, feeling enveloped by a fragrant and dense wave of warmth, the chill in her body instantly vanished, and her brows and eyes involuntarily relaxed.

Cheng Yian remembered that the northern mansion was built against a mountain, with geothermal heat on the mountain, and there was a hot spring in the Matriarch's backyard, soaking in it daily to relax and prolong life.

Cheng Mingyu was waiting at the white marble arched bridge, hearing her footsteps, he knew she had arrived, he turned and beckoned to Cheng Yian.

The father and daughter crossed the bridge and walked through the stone path of the garden to the front of Yining Garden, it was nearly dusk, a few servants were setting up ladders to hang lanterns, one a sheep horn palace lantern, the next a palace gauze painted lantern, and some glass lanterns hung on the branches of nearby trees, glowing in competition.

At the entrance, servants were waiting, and even Ru Hui and Ru Lan had moved her luggage in, more than a dozen servants stood silently, all respectful and silent, the courtyard was remarkably spacious, the entrance was a three-sectioned large room, the corridors were adorned with colorful hangings, the carvings were exquisite without saying, the main hall's bright room connected to the backyard, through the carved windows and screens one could even glimpse a corner of the water scene in the backyard, the front five rooms, three on the east were studies, two on the west were reception rooms, along the bright room to the back, passing through a water corridor was the sleeping quarters, the rooms by the water elsewhere were cold, but not here, in the evening the water surface emitted a fairy-like mist, several pavilions stood embracing each other, as if one had arrived at the Penglai fairyland.

Everywhere could be described as golden windows and jade thresholds, colorful and splendid, a striking contrast to the understated front courtyard.

"This courtyard is too big." Ordinary families wouldn't give such a large place to a young lady.

Although Cheng Yian was grateful for Cheng Mingyu's care, after all, she was already married, occupying such a large space, wouldn't her sister-in-law have any objections? Although the second sister-in-law was a very good person, there still needed to be boundaries between sisters-in-law.

Cheng Mingyu stood at the water corridor, quietly watching his daughter, the evening breeze gently caressed, his clothes fluttered, his brows and eyes warm,

"Pingping, do you like it? If there's anything you want to change or add, just tell your father."

Cheng Yian thought to herself that even a deity could live in such a house—what more could be added?

"If I live here, what about Elder Sister and Second Sister?"

She didn’t want to stir up any resentment.

Cheng Mingyu looked at his delicate, timid youngest daughter, his heart aching with sadness.

If it were Cheng Yiqiao here, she would surely be inspecting the place with her hands on her hips, complaining that there weren't enough patterns on the bedding, or whether the jewelry box on the dressing table was big enough for her jewels.

Cheng Mingyu knew what she was worried about, "Pingping, your two sisters each have their own courtyard, no less splendid than this," the only difference was that their courtyards were arranged according to their own preferences, while this one was based on his own assumptions, fearing that his youngest daughter might not like it.

"As long as you live, this place will always be yours. Even if you don’t stay here, no one else will dare to enter."

As long as they were his daughters, Cheng Mingyu's, they would always have a place in their maternal home.

Overwhelmed by his generosity, Cheng Yian accepted graciously, then took a turn around the five pavilions inside, came out and hugged the colorful pillar of the threshold, peeking out half her smiling face at him,

"Does the house have a hot spring?"

This was something she had always dreamed of. In the past, she had to travel to the hot spring villa in Yanshan just to soak in the hot springs, and even then she had to submit a request to the palace beforehand, and only go once the emperor granted permission. Even when she finally got to go, with so many women in the Lu family, it wasn't certain that she would get a turn.

Now she had one in her own house, it was a great joy.

Seeing joy light up her delicate face, Cheng Mingyu felt a little more at ease, "Of course, the bath is it."

As a grown daughter, she should avoid her father, so he couldn’t stay long, and as he left, he instructed,

"Anan, play for a while and then go to grandmother's for dinner."

Her voice floated back, soft and crisp, "I know..."

It reminded him of her, of their last meeting.

"If you love 'Xijiang Moon' so much, next time I’ll bring the strings and play it for you."

"Mm, I know..." she stood quietly under the window, her beautiful eyes filled with restrained anticipation.

Sadly, after this, they conceived Anan and never saw each other again.

Cheng Mingyu closed his eyes and left Yining Garden.

As a newcomer, Cheng Yian didn’t dare wait for the host to prompt her, left Ruhui to tidy up the house, and early on took Rulan to the main courtyard.

On the way, Rulan was still marveling at the luxury of Yining Garden, the courtyard where three sons-in-law resided.

"Miss, this place is so much bigger than the Lu family’s, and being at your maternal home means you don’t have to deal with your in-laws’ attitudes, I really wish to live here forever."

Cheng Yian gave her a sharp look, "Once married, you’re just a guest at your maternal home. You can’t overstay your welcome."

Rulan murmured, "I can tell the head of the family wants you to stay here forever and never go back."

Impressed by the luxurious courtyard, Rulan had already ingratiatingly switched from 'head of the family' to the more familiar 'master.'

Cheng Yian pinched Ru Lan's nose.

She sighed inwardly, realizing that Ru Lan, having been out for less than half a day, already looked down on Lu Xusheng's modest estate.

The group arrived at Ningjin Hall.

Hearing the sound of bell-like laughter from inside, it seemed there were visitors.

Cheng Yian straightened her clothes and walked in slowly, bypassing the screen to find an unfamiliar woman leaning beside the Matriarch.

The seat next to her was reserved for someone very close, not just anyone.

She had seen Cheng Yiqiao and Cheng Yixin before, and today she had also sat there, so the woman in front of her, wearing an orange floral jacket and thick satin velvet shoes, with a touch of makeup and a shrewd look in her eyes, must be the Matriarch's own granddaughter, Jiang Ruomei, the daughter of the Governor of Jiangnan.

Seeing Cheng Yian enter, the matrons said, "Matriarch, the young lady has arrived."

Cheng Yiqiao, sitting at the head of the round table, immediately corrected them,

"What young lady? Just call her Third Miss."

Jiang Ruomei glanced at Cheng Yian but directed her words at Cheng Yiqiao, "Second Sister, you're not married yet, so you can't stand hearing others call your cousin 'young lady'."

Cheng Yiqiao rolled her eyes, but since she was sitting with her back to the arhat bed, Jiang Ruomei didn't notice.

The Matriarch quickly beckoned to Cheng Yian, "An An, come sit by your grandmother."

The Matriarch moved aside to make room for Cheng Yian.

Cheng Yian sat down as instructed, and the Matriarch hugged her as usual, asking,

"Have you seen it? Do you like it? If there's anything unsatisfactory, just tell your father."

Normally, such requests would be directed to the matrons, but the Matriarch wanted her to tell Cheng Mingyu, clearly hoping for more interaction between father and daughter.

Cheng Yian, always knowing her place, replied shyly, "Grandmother, everything is fine, just like home."

The Matriarch could tell she was being polite and felt a pang of sadness.

The child was still too obedient, no wonder, after so many years of hardship, it would take time for her to feel at home. She needed nurturing to take root and grow, a truth the Matriarch understood.

Seeing her grandmother only talking to Cheng Yian, Jiang Ruomei let go of the Matriarch's hand and moved to sit beside Cheng Yiqiao. Just as she was about to sit, Cheng Yiqiao stopped her,

"This is my third sister's seat."

It was almost time for the meal, and the rules here were similar to those in the Lu family: the wives served, while the young ladies were treated as honored guests and could sit with the Matriarch.

At the table, there were four seats: Cheng Yiqiao sat in the north, the east seat was reserved for Cheng Yian as the honored guest, Cheng Yiqian, the daughter of the third master, sat in the south, and the west seat was left.

This was also a guest seat, but guest seats had their hierarchy, with the east being the most honorable.

Jiang Ruomei didn't say anything and silently sat down.

Soon, the Second Mistress and the third mistress arrived. Lu Shi, Cheng Yiyan's wife, arranged the table, while Xu Shi, Cheng Yijun's wife, attended to the Matriarch. Cheng Yian took her seat, and the Cheng family adhered to the rule of not speaking during meals, making the dinner very orderly.

After the meal, while drinking tea, Cheng Yiqiao winked at Cheng Yian,

"Come with me later."

Cheng Yian naturally nodded.

Jiang Ruomei smiled and asked, "What does Second Cousin want to do with Third Cousin?"

Cheng Yiqiao pretended not to hear, lazily bringing the teacup to her lips.

Cheng Yixi, however, blurted out,

"What else? The furs have all been stored in the warehouse. Uncle said we must wait for An'an to return before opening it. Now that An'an is back, Second Sister will surely drag her to pick first."

Jiang Ruomei naturally knew how grand the Cheng family's annual New Year’s Eve banquet was. Her mother always brought her to stay at her maternal grandparents' house around this time, but due to illness this year, she sent her alone with an old servant.

Though the Jiang family was also wealthy, they were far from the top-ranking Cheng family.

In Jiangnan, Jiang Ruomei was almost the leading lady among the noblewomen. Besides her father being a high-ranking Duke of the second rank, she was also Cheng Mingyu's direct niece. Every official in Jiangnan flattered and courted her. At the Cheng family, she was a distinguished guest and had no reason to be neglected.

So she said without changing her expression,

"That would be great. Then XiXi and I can also benefit from Cousin An'an's good fortune."

The Cheng family's mountains and forests spanned four regions, and every year the most stunning furs were delivered to the Cheng estate. Last year, she had chosen several pieces of fur to take home from the Cheng family. The items in the Cheng family's warehouse were not available on the market; only what the young ladies rejected would be sold there.

She wasn't short of good things, but as women, their cabinets always lacked one piece of jewelry or one dress.

This was also why she came to the Cheng family every year, of course, she was invited.

Cheng Yiqiao said, "No rush. After An'an and I have picked, it will be your turn."

Jiang Ruomei's face stiffened slightly. She glanced at Cheng Yian, who didn't look at her. After a moment, she feigned curiosity and said,

"I am an outsider, so it doesn't matter if I wait. But Fourth Sister, she is also a daughter of the Cheng family's main branch. Why can't she pick first?"

Cheng Yiqiao has always been spoiled and extravagant. When she takes a liking to a particular style of clothing, she wants every color variation. Once she's done picking, what stunning items could possibly remain for her?

Now Cheng Yiqian was also feeling wronged.

"Every year, it's always second sister who picks first, and then it's my turn."

The third mistress, seeing her foolish daughter being stirred up again, gently reminded her,

"Qianqian, it's An An's first time returning to the family home. As her younger sister, you should protect her."

Listen, it's always the elder sister who protects the younger sister, but with Cheng Yian, everyone has to protect her.

Cheng Yiqian replied in a pitiful voice.

Cheng Yiqiao, disliking Cheng Yiqian's feigned grievance, sternly said, "How many times have you picked before? Haven't I always given you a chance? This is An An's first time returning home. Even if she took the entire storeroom, father wouldn't say a word."

Cheng Yiqian was scared into silence by these words,

"I understand, second sister."

She didn't dare to agree with Jiang Ruomei anymore.

After finishing their tea, Cheng Yiqiao took Cheng Yian's hand and stood up, bowing to the matriarch,

"Grandmother, I'm taking An An with me now."

The matriarch waved her hand and said, "Go ahead."

As soon as the two sisters stepped out the door, Jiang Ruomei started sobbing and leaned on the matriarch, "Grandmother, I want to go too. After second cousin picks, what will be left for me?"

The matriarch said displeasedly, "Don't try to outshine An An."

As if the matriarch couldn't see what was going on, Jiang Ruomei had never dared to act up in front of Cheng Yiqiao before, after all, Cheng Yiqiao had always been domineering. Why is it that today, with Cheng Yian here, she keeps nitpicking at every turn? Isn't it just because An An moved into the courtyard she fancied, and isn't it just because she thinks Cheng Yian, being raised in the South Mansion, isn't as close to the family as those at home?

If it were the former, the matriarch might still tolerate it, but if it were the latter, that would truly provoke Cheng Mingyu's wrath.

"An An is now the darling of your eldest uncle and me. If you can't understand this, you know how your eldest uncle can be."

Cheng Yiqiao had expected that those sisters would relish causing trouble, and standing at the doorway, she suddenly raised her voice,

"Uncle Chen, go tell father that Yiqiao and I have taken a liking to the items in the storeroom. Have it sealed up."